LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) — Thick black smoke and flames poured from a donation area behind a Littleton thrift store Thursday afternoon. It drew a major fire response and forced nearby business owners to evacuate.
“Just huge flames coming up out behind the drop-off area,” said witness Scott Holter. “Saw the black smoke rising and knew that there was a fire somewhere.”
Holter had just finished a photo shoot near South Broadway and Mineral when he saw the chaos unfolding behind the ARC Thrift Store on Broadway.
Within minutes, South Metro Fire crews were on scene, using water and foam to knock the blaze down fast.
“There was a very large plume of smoke, very active fire in the back area of this building,” said Brian Willie, South Metro Fire’s lead public information officer.
Crews say the flames started in a collection area filled with donated household goods. While the brick building held strong, smoke damage now stains the back wall and crews spent the afternoon sweeping up what was left.
Soot and smoke-covered items were left behind after a fire near a Littleton thrift store on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (KDVR) Soot and smoke-covered items were left behind after a fire near a Littleton thrift store on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (KDVR) Soot and smoke-covered items were left behind after a fire near a Littleton thrift store on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (KDVR)
“About 25 minutes, the fire was determined to be under control,” said Willie. “We’re very fortunate that there was no extension and no further damage to the businesses.”
Investigators say they don’t know how it started, although some in the area wondered if a stray cigarette or flammable items sparked the flames.
“Whatever caught on fire went up pretty quick,” said Holter. “I’m just happy everybody got out okay.”
By 3 p.m., businesses reopened, including the ARC, though donations are paused for now as cleanup continues behind the store.
Crews say about 45 firefighters responded alongside Littleton police and Arapahoe Rescue Patrol.
Fortunately, no one was hurt. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
